Power and Potential of Youth in Service to Communities

This book reviews why a community based organization should involve youth in service and describes how to start a youth service program. The forward and Chapter 1 explain the impact youth volunteerism has on youth, organizations, and communities. Chapter 2 distinguishes various types of youth service. Chapter 3 summarizes the history of youth service at the national level and within the state of Minnesota, reviewing important legislation, organizations, and programs. Chapter 4 prepares administrators to design youth service programs by outlining youth skills, youth viewpoints, and program examples for five age groups. Chapter 5 is designed as a workbook to guide organizations through the planning process, ensuring that components of an effective program are developed. Chapter 6 discusses practical issues that program administrators often face such as legal responsibility and student transportation. Chapter 7 lists criteria for excellence to use in evaluating youth service programs and then briefly profiles 59 model programs from Minnesota. A resource directory lists 64 nation wide organizations that support youth service.